Anthony Watson Named Executive Director at MEOC

The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) named Anthony Watson Executive Director of The State University (SUNY) of New York Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) in East Harlem.

Anthony Watson, who begins his new role on August 10, comes to MEOC from the Harlem-based Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) where he was most recently vice president of programs and human services.

While at ADC, Watson led development efforts that raised over $6 million for the organization’s workforce development program. As part of ADC’s senior management team, Watson also led community outreach efforts for ADC’s human services division. His efforts resulted in strategies that aligned comprehensive services for 1,500 constituents in Harlem and throughout New York City.

Watson, who holds a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College (HUNTER/CUNY) as well as a training certification in Seminar in Field Instruction, said he is very excited to join MEOC.

“I’m looking forward to bridging and fostering strong partnerships and relationships in the community that will enhance the work the MEOC is going to do in and around the community,” said Watson.

BMCC leadership welcomes Watson

“We are thrilled that Anthony is joining our leadership team at BMCC. His combination of experience, knowledge and strong ties to the Harlem community will serve us well as we work to enhance programs and services of the MEOC,” said Karrin Wilks, BMCC Senior Vice President and Provost.

Watson said he plans to build upon MEOC’s rich 40-year history of helping prepare underemployed and unemployed New Yorkers to compete in the workforce.

He said that in today’s fast-changing economy and workforce, programs like MEOC help provide people with the necessary skills to better leverage available employment opportunities.

“Programs such as MEOC provide under and unemployed constituents the opportunity to advance their own personal lives as well as the community around them,” said Watson.

MEOC is part of a SUNY-funded system of educational enterprises that serve eligible adult learners. The program seeks to deliver community-based academic and workforce development programs and provide support services that enhance access to employment opportunities, further education and personal growth.